Lying

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said:

“Do contemplate before speaking so that you may guard yourself from (committing) errs.” 

Qurar ul Hikam, p. 228

Imam Muhammad al Baqir (a.s.) said:

“No one is safe from sins unless the one controls his/her tongue.”

Bihar ul Anwar, vol. 78, p. 178

            The disadvantages of falsehood become very clear.  A liar is the wicked enemy of human society.  He endeavors to ruin the society by his falsehood, which is a big crime.  This is because falsehood resembles narcotics which kill the intelligence and commonsense of the society and hide the reality.  Falsehood is also similar to alcoholic beverages, which intoxicate the people and render them unable to distinguish between good and bad.

            Falsehood has not only been introduced as a sin and an indecent deed in Islam, but its indecency and unfairness is also clearly perceived by commonsense.  The prevalence of this indecent deed in the society will soon shatter the confidence of the people towards one another, which is the only basis in their social relationship.  By the disruption of such a relationship, the people will, in effect, live in isolation because of having utmost anxiety from one another, although they may apparently seem to be living in a knitted society.

            Man always deals with external matters in his life.  He keeps himself alive through his activities and by bringing about changes in matters he fulfills his desires.  This creature, which works by commonsense and will power, has based his vast and extensive life on knowledge.  His work is directly related to the knowledge available to him. He constantly adjusts his learning’s and performs his external activities accordingly.

            Therefore, receiving true information is essential for man and is of prime importance.  If the correct outside news are not revealed to man, for instance, if he sees the ditch as nearby and the nearby as the distant, or if he receives the news in an untrue way, he will not be able to continue his living.  Thus it becomes clear that falsehood is a serious threat to social life and a liar is a person without any personality and dignity.  He is the enemy of the society and the people consider his remarks invalid and unreliable.  God also curses him.

Source:  Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabataba’i.  Islamic Teachings in Brief.